the nation's laest lutheran denomination, the engelical utheran church in america, hd its biennial assembly in minapolis. and as k lawton reports, crch policy about gays and lesbns dominated the agenda. >> he no fear, we will pray! >> rerter: they prayed for unity. but disagrments over homosexuity were clear as deletes of the evangelical lutheran church inmerica-- the e.l.c.agathered in minneapolis is week. >> we cannot changeod's law ande cannot change what is right nd what is wrong. how about jesus saying, juge not, tt ye not. be judged? >> if you're in favor ofhe amendmt, vote one. if you're oppos, vote two. plse vote now. >> reporter: tre was vigorous debate about whethethe denominati should lift its ban on non-celibate gaynd lesbian clery. aissue was a measure to allow loal congregations to hire gay or lesbian pasts who are in lifelong, monogamo relatnships. as of friday afternn, a final vote had t to be taken. >> it's certaiy painful when people say th your relationship or your call re t valid. >> reporter: aft acknowledging his relationship with anoer man, atlanta pastor braey schmel